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The 3 pence denomination was not introduced in 1934 with other Fijian coins. In part this was for fear that this high denomination would be used in pricing rather than the penny or halfpenny. Later World War II forced delay and it was not until 1947 that the introduction was agreed to. The shape and alloy of the coin were the same as the British 3 pence coin but it is thinner and has a crowned portrait of the King. The reverse was designed by Reginald George James Berry of the New Zealand Numismatic Society (master tools modelled by Percy Metcalf).
The coins, though dated 1947 were struck in February 1948. A small number of Proof of Record pieces were struck for public collections. |
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| Obverse | |
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Crowned head of the King facing left; around, GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR; the artist's initials PM, below bust truncation. |
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| Reverse | |
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At centre between palm trees a Fijian bure (a local dwelling); around above FIJI 1947; around below, THREE PENCE. |
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| Reverse Inscription |
FIJI 1947 THREE PENCE |
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| Notes | Original information:
- 79th Annual Report of the Deputy Master and Comptroller of the Royal Mint, 1948, His Majesty's Stationary Office, London, 1950, p.4-5, 15 |
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